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Objective:

Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome that requires a challenging diagnosis. We looked at the long term outcome of HF patients referred from primary and secondary care managed as per clinical guidelines at a specialist UK HF clinic.

Methods:

All patients underwent clinical assessment, relevant blood tests, chest X-ray and ECG, trans-thoracic echocardiography. LV function was assessed by “eye ball” assessment, Simpson's rule and wall motion index measurements when possible. Heart failure was diagnosed according to ESC criteria and patients with LVSD were started on evidence-based treatment according to ESC guidelines. Once diagnosed these patient also attended a titration clinic to optimise treatment doses. Data for LVSD patients was obtained from hospital & GP records, and cause of death from death certificates.

Results:

From 2002–2007, 1034 patients were referred. 26% were …